What are the key factors to check when receiving TCS foods?

When receiving Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods, it is essential to focus on critical factors that ensure the food is safe for consumption. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of expiration dates, signs of contamination, packaging condition, and temperature.

Expiration dates are crucial because they indicate the last date the food is guaranteed to be safe and effective. Foods received past their expiration dates could pose a health risk. Signs of contamination are also vital to check; any visible mold, an unusual odor, or leaks from packaging can indicate spoilage or unsafe food products that should not be accepted.

Packaging condition matters significantly, as damaged packaging can compromise the integrity of the food inside and lead to contamination. Finally, checking the temperature ensures that TCS foods have been kept within safe temperature ranges necessary to prevent bacterial growth. These combined checks provide a comprehensive approach to ensuring food safety during the receiving process.

The other options, while they may include relevant elements, do not solely focus on the most critical aspects of food safety during receiving.